Gems and jewellery exports rise over 6% in September; cut and polished diamonds, platinum lead gains

India’s gems and jewellery sector showed signs of revival in September 2025, driven by strong domestic and overseas demand, according to data from the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

Overall gross exports of gems and jewellery reached $2,914.29 million (₹25,737.50 crore) in September, up 6.55% from $2,735.26 million (₹22,925.81 crore) in the same month last year. In rupee terms, the growth stood at 12.26%.

Analysts attributed the increase to festive and wedding season demand, recovering overseas markets, and India’s continuing reputation for craftsmanship and design innovation.

Gross imports also rose, reaching $1,669.80 million (₹14,750.29 crore), up 10.84% from the previous year, reflecting preparations by manufacturers and jewellers for the domestic festive and wedding season.

Stable gold prices globally and a weaker rupee contributed to increased imports.

Segment-wise performance:

Cut & polished diamonds: Exports rose 5.91% to $1,368.04 million (₹12,079.91 crore), while imports declined slightly by 1.2% to $124.79 million (₹1,101.73 crore). The export growth was supported by holiday-season demand in Western markets and favorable currency movements.

Rough diamonds: Imports for April–September 2025 grew 5.25% to $6,066.23 million (₹52,360.37 crore).

Polished lab-grown diamonds:

Exports fell 10.62% to $107.64 million (₹950.91 crore), partly due to increased demand for gold during the festive season.

Gold jewellery: Exports increased 2.4% to $1,092.0 million (₹9,646.89 crore), supported by demand in key markets such as the Middle East and the US.

Platinum jewellery: Exports rose sharply by 25.37% to $106.54 million (₹922.32 crore), driven by new designs, growing popularity in men’s jewellery, and demand from international retailers.

Coloured gemstones: Exports showed modest growth of 0.75% to $236.66 million (₹2,053.91 crore).

Commenting on the sector’s performance, Colin Shah, MD of Kama Jewelry, said the industry benefitted from seasonal demand, diversification into alternative metals like platinum, and growing interest in eco-friendly and bespoke jewellery.

He noted that domestic demand for gold and diamond jewellery is expected to rise during the upcoming wedding and festive season.

The Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved the Gems & Jewellery Policy 2025, aiming to strengthen the state’s position in the global jewellery market, which is expected to provide further impetus to the sector.